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October 31, 2016, Dallas, Texas – Three Adrian Dominican Sisters were among a joyous crowd of Dominican Friars, Sisters, and Laity attending “Living our Legacy: A Dominican Conference in Celebration of 800 Years of Preaching.”

The conference, sponsored by the Dominican Friars of the Southern Province, USA, was October 21-23 at the University of Dallas. Representing the Adrian Dominican Sisters were Sisters Patty Harvat, OP, General Councilor; Kitty Bethea, OP; and Mary Fran Fleischaker, OP.

The weekend included the opening keynote address, “In the Company of the Poor,” by Father Gustavo Gutiérrez, OP, a Dominican Friar and theologian from Peru, most known for his ground-breaking work in liberation theology. This was followed by a panel discussion by Father Gutiérrez; Father Bruno Cadoré, OP, Master of the Order; and Dr. Paul Farmer, MD, PhD, founding director of Partners in Health. The weekend also included an address by Father Bruno and several break-out sessions.

“The weekend was an amazing experience of shared Dominican life,” Sister Mary Fran said. She appreciated the input by leaders in the Dominican family and in theology. She also appreciated the emphasis on the witness of St. Martin de Porres and St. Rose of Lima throughout the Americas, and the “strong emphasis on solidarity with those who are poor, voiceless, and marginalized.”

However, Sister Mary Fran added, “The major impact was the interaction between all the members of the Dominican Family, all celebrating together the 800th anniversary of the Order. That happened through prayer, meals, study sessions, and informal encounters.”

Sister Patty was also impressed by the weekend. For her, the highlights were “hearing and seeing Gustavo Gutiérrez speak once again about our vocation to accompany the poor and most vulnerable. Just to be in his presence is so inspiring.” Sister Patty was also impressed by the words of Father Bruno, “words of wisdom, of creatively and compassionately moving into the future.”